Private Tuk Tuk Tour to Angkor Wat and Small Circle with Two Extras

Exploring Angkor Wat and Small Circle by Tuk Tuk: An Honest Look at One of Siem Reap’s Best Deals

Trying to see Cambodia’s most iconic temple complex can be overwhelming—especially with so many sites to choose from and limited time. This private tuk tuk tour to Angkor Wat, combined with the Small Circle route plus two extras, promises a thorough, flexible, and budget-friendly way to experience the highlights. Priced at just $15 per person and offering a nearly full day of exploration, it’s a solid option for travelers who want an authentic, personal experience rather than a crowded group tour.

What we really love about this experience is how it balances comprehensive site visits with a relaxed pace—plus, the private aspect makes it feel more tailored to your interests. On the downside, you’ll need to purchase your own temple tickets ($37 USD for a single day), and some sites require walking or climbing, which might be a consideration for less mobile travelers. This tour is ideal for those who enjoy a personalized journey, are eager to learn from knowledgeable guides, and appreciate spending quality time at each site without feeling rushed.

Key Points

• Private tuk tuk provides a flexible, intimate way to explore the temples.
• You get to see 14 key sites, including Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm, with plenty of time for photos.
• The tour includes visits to lesser-known sites like Bat Chum and Ta Nei, adding an off-the-beaten-path feel.
• Knowledgeable guides and drivers make the experience more enriching.
• The tour is well-paced, with options to relax, enjoy local lunch, and avoid the crowds at prime photo times.
• It offers great value for the price, especially given the private setup and detailed itinerary.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

This tour offers a satisfying blend of mainstream highlights and hidden gems, making it perfect for those who want a comprehensive day at Angkor without the hassle of organizing transport or navigating alone.

Starting at Angkor Wat: Enter via the East Gate at Dawn

One of the first things that stood out to us is the choice of entering through the less-frequented East Gate. This means arriving in the early morning light, with fewer travelers around, makes for an unforgettable photo backdrop. You’ll catch the sun rising behind the towers, which is perfect for capturing the scale and majesty of this world-famous wonder.

After soaking in the early morning serenity, you’ll return to the more popular West Gate, but for many travelers, that peaceful start is worth the effort. The tour allows for about two hours at Angkor Wat, enough time to explore the intricate carvings, climb the terraces, and appreciate its vastness. Keep in mind, the ticket isn’t included, so you’ll need to purchase your one-day pass ($37 USD), but the experience of seeing the sunrise or early light is often considered priceless.

Off the Beaten Path: Prasat Kravan and Bat Chum

Moving on, the tour takes you to Prasat Kravan, a small brick temple distinguished by large brick carvings, which are quite different from the sandstone sculptures typical at Angkor. This site isn’t as crowded, allowing for some quiet reflection or fun photo opportunities.

Next, Bat Chum offers a quieter, less-visited look into Angkor’s Buddhist roots. With its five towers and significant inscriptions, it presents an interesting contrast to the larger, more tourist-heavy temples. The fact that some inscriptions predate King Jayavarman VII shows the long history of Buddhism in the area—something our guide highlighted, making the visit both visually and intellectually stimulating.

Scenic Stops: Srah Srang and Banteay Kdei

A brief stop at Srah Srang provides a picturesque view of the old animal sculptures and the rectangular basin, which was likely used for ceremonial purposes. Sitting by the water, you get a feel for the spiritual significance of the site.

Then, Banteay Kdei—a sprawling, less-visited temple often called the “small sister” of Ta Prohm—offers a labyrinth of corridors and courtyards. It’s a perfect place to wander, take photos, and imagine what life was like during the temple’s heyday. The overall size and layout mean you can explore without the crowds, unlike Angkor Thom or Ta Prohm.

The Highlight: Ta Prohm and the Jungle Temples

No visit to Angkor is complete without Ta Prohm, famously overgrown with giant trees and roots that seem to swallow the stonework. It’s a site that evokes the feeling of discovery, as if you’ve walked onto a forgotten city. Our reviews mention how some travelers spend over an hour here, soaking in the atmosphere and capturing stunning photos.

Ta Nei is a hidden gem, accessible via gravel roads, making it less touristy. It’s perfect for those who seek a little Indiana Jones adventure, with quiet ruins and impressive relief sculptures. The guide’s insights about the temple’s history and art helped us appreciate its significance beyond just its jungle setting.

Towering Temples and Unique Sites

Ta Keo offers a climb up a steep, stepped pyramid with panoramic views from the top—a real workout but worth it for the sense of achievement and the photo ops.

Spean Thma provides a quick but notable stop at a carved stone bridge, showcasing Angkor’s engineering skills and reuse of stone from earlier temples.

Next, Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon are smaller, beautifully preserved temples with intricate pediments and mythological carvings, perfect for a short exploration and capturing detailed images.

The Iconic Gates and the South Gate of Angkor Thom

Climbing the Victory Gate offers a fantastic view of the city wall and the face towers, framed by lush trees. It’s one of the most photographed spots on the tour.

The South Gate of Angkor Thom—with its giant demon and gods statues—is a must-see for its dramatic, iconic architecture. The guide explained the symbolism behind the statues, making the visit more meaningful.

The Evening: Angkor Wat Mirror Images and the Killing Fields

As daylight dims, the tour circles back to Angkor Wat for a second visit. The late afternoon light creates perfect reflections in the moat, providing a different perspective from the morning. If you’re interested, there’s an optional balloon ride for aerial views—though this is extra.

A somber but important stop at Wat Thmey memorials the victims of the Khmer Rouge, offering context on Cambodia’s recent history. This visit is short but powerful, and the site is free to enter.

Practical Details and Logistics

The entire day runs about 9 to 10 hours, with a professional driver and an English-speaking guide providing commentary and assistance. The private setup means you can customize your pace, skip sites if you want, or spend longer at favorites.

Lunch is often at Srah Srang, giving you a break to relax and enjoy local Cambodian cuisine. Alternatively, you could drive back to town for lunch, but that would extend the tour beyond the scheduled time and cost extra.

The tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, flexible, and personal experience. The price point ($15) for such detailed access and private transport is remarkably good value, especially considering the reviews praising knowledgeable guides and the relaxed pace.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This private tuk tuk tour is perfect for anyone who values customization and intimacy—whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or in a small group. It suits those who want an in-depth visit, appreciate local insights and background stories, and prefer avoiding the crowds at key sites.

It’s especially attractive for travelers who want to see both the sunrise and sunset at Angkor Wat, take plenty of photos, and explore lesser-known temples with fewer travelers. Be prepared for a full, active day, and don’t forget to bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.

If you’re on a budget but want a personalized, guided experience, this tour hits the sweet spot. For those looking for a structured, group tour or requiring specific dietary or accessibility accommodations, you might want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts

This tuk tuk tour to Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples offers an excellent balance of value, depth, and flexibility. With a knowledgeable guide, private transportation, and a thorough itinerary, you’ll get a meaningful look at Cambodia’s most famous archaeological site, plus some hidden treasures along the way. The experience is well-suited for travelers who want to learn, explore at their own pace, and avoid the typical crowds that flock to Angkor.

While the tour doesn’t include the temple entrance fee, the overall price is still very reasonable considering the personalized service and extensive site access. The optional visits to quieter temples like Ta Nei and the sunset views at Angkor Wat really set this tour apart. It’s a solid choice if you want to make the most of your time in Siem Reap without sacrificing comfort or insight.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but be prepared for some walking and climbing steps. It’s best for those in decent health and comfortable with a full day of activity.

Are meals or drinks included?
No, lunch is not included, but there are good restaurants near Srah Srang. Bottled water is provided throughout the day.

Do I need to buy the Angkor pass separately?
Yes, the temple entrance fee ($37 USD for a single day) is not included. You’ll need to purchase your ticket before or on the day of the tour.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, you can discuss your preferences with the driver or guide at the start. They’re generally flexible within the planned schedule.

What is the duration of the tour?
Expect around 9 to 10 hours, from 7:00 am start to drop-off in Siem Reap, usually around 5-6 pm.

Is this tour good for photography?
Absolutely. The early morning and late afternoon visits to Angkor Wat offer the best lighting. The smaller temples also provide unique photo opportunities.

Are there additional costs?
Apart from the entrance fee and optional extras like the balloon ride, no. The tour price is all-inclusive except for personal purchases or additional transfers.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its private, flexible nature, the balance of major and lesser-known sites, and the knowledgeable driver and guide team make it a highly recommended way to see Angkor without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.